Tyre Maintenance

Is it time for a check up?

It’s important to periodically check and carry out maintenance on tyres. Find out here about rotation, balancing, tread wear and other key aspects of maintaining tyres.

How important are correct tyre pressures?

Correct tyre pressure is important for safe handling, braking, tyre wear and fuel efficiency.

Always use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. The correct pressures can usually be found in the vehicle handbook, on a label inside the driver’s door area or in another location specified by the manufacturer.

Check pressures when the tyres are cold and adjust them for the vehicle’s load where the manufacturer provides different recommendations.

How do I know when my tyres need to be replaced?

For cars, light vans and light trailers, the legal minimum tread depth in Great Britain is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference.

However, legal minimum does not necessarily mean optimum performance. TyreSafe recommends considering replacement before reaching the legal limit, particularly because wet-weather performance can reduce as tread wears.

Tyres should also be replaced if they have damage such as significant cuts, bulges or other defects, even if the tread depth is still above the legal minimum.

What does tyre balancing mean?

Wheel balancing ensures that the tyre and wheel assembly rotates evenly.

If a wheel is out of balance, you may notice vibrations, particularly at certain speeds. Persistent imbalance can also contribute to uneven tyre wear and place additional stress on vehicle components.

Wheels should be balanced when tyres are fitted and checked if you experience vibration or other symptoms.